The Craven County Health Department, in collaboration with the New Bern Police Department and Realo Discount Drugs, hosts two drug take-back events each year to provide the community with a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications. These events aim to reduce the risk of unintentional poisoning and medication misuse in Craven County by ensuring that medications are properly disposed. People in Craven County can drop off their unwanted medications at designated collection sites, where they are collected, weighed, and documented. After collection, law enforcement personnel are responsible for the proper destruction of the medications, ensuring safe disposal and preventing them from being misused or harming the environment. The total weight of medications collected at each event is recorded and reported, helping to track the success and impact of the program. By providing a safe outlet for disposal, these events play a vital role in protecting public health, reducing the potential for overdoses or poisonings, and promoting a safer, healthier community. 

While this program is available to all residents of Craven County,  there is a special focus on individuals that receive prescription medications.

When prescription drugs get into the wrong hands it can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. In Craven County, since 2020, over 1,000 pounds of unused and/or expired medications have been removed from the home and disposed of properly. This action is helpful in preventing medication misuse, potential opioid addiction, and reducing overdoses and overdose deaths. 

How to use this note: 

• Report Annual Progress: Summarize the progress you've made on this object (Program, Activity, Strategy, Task Force, Coalition, Policy, Clinical Care, etc.) during the calendar year. 
• Address Missing Data: If data are missing for the performance measures, use this section to explain why the data are missing, such as delays or other challenges.
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